Kingslow Associates
Enterprise Development
Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and microenterprises are important economic drivers, but they face challenges accessing capital, technology, business services and markets. They are also often disconnected from industry clusters, value chains, informal networks and support infrastructures.
Our work focuses on increasing opportunities for SMEs and microenterprises by helping specialized organizations – two-year colleges, anchor institutions, community-based organizations and development intermediaries – develop creative ways to support them. We provide technical assistance, assessments and evaluation services to organizations working to advance economic development through impact investments, industry clusters and capacity building strategies.
Representative Projects Capital Access for BIPOC-Owned and -Led Enterprises Client: Revolve Fund Conducting developmental and formative evaluation of Revolve Fund, which is addressing inequities in small business development systems by expanding access to capital for small businesses, CDFIs and venture funds owned by or serving people of color. Currently at $3 million and growing, it provides interest-free, recoverable grants that enterprises repay if and when milestones are met. Revolve's pooled funding model is capitalized by grants from impact investors and foundations. As such, it is demonstrating new ways of using philanthropic resources to provide capital to small enterprises. The evaluation has included baseline analysis, process documentation, assessments of qualitative and preliminary investment outcomes and formative input. Strengthening Small Business Technical Assistance Networks Client: Annie E. Casey Foundation Evaluation of the Baltimore Small Business Support Fund, a network-based model to build the capacity of community development financial institutions and small business development organizations to deliver high-quality technical assistance and supports to small businesses, particularly BIPOC-owned enterprises. The initiative leveraged funding from national and local foundations and incentivized changes in small business development policies and funding. Industry Cluster Analysis in Rural Areas Client: Regional Technology Strategies Conducted a study of industrial concentration in two regions to assess the nature and structure of industry clusters and the economic impact of agglomeration on regional economies. Examined the houseboat-building cluster in rural Kentucky to understand how clusters evolve and expand and the advantages inherent in small clusters. Examined the vehicle manufacturing industry in Tennessee to assess the extent of cluster spillover into less developed areas. Funded by Tennessee Valley Authority, Rural Studies Center.
Our work focuses on increasing opportunities for SMEs and microenterprises by helping specialized organizations – two-year colleges, anchor institutions, community-based organizations and development intermediaries – develop creative ways to support them. We provide technical assistance, assessments and evaluation services to organizations working to advance economic development through impact investments, industry clusters and capacity building strategies.
Representative Projects Capital Access for BIPOC-Owned and -Led Enterprises Client: Revolve Fund Conducting developmental and formative evaluation of Revolve Fund, which is addressing inequities in small business development systems by expanding access to capital for small businesses, CDFIs and venture funds owned by or serving people of color. Currently at $3 million and growing, it provides interest-free, recoverable grants that enterprises repay if and when milestones are met. Revolve's pooled funding model is capitalized by grants from impact investors and foundations. As such, it is demonstrating new ways of using philanthropic resources to provide capital to small enterprises. The evaluation has included baseline analysis, process documentation, assessments of qualitative and preliminary investment outcomes and formative input. Strengthening Small Business Technical Assistance Networks Client: Annie E. Casey Foundation Evaluation of the Baltimore Small Business Support Fund, a network-based model to build the capacity of community development financial institutions and small business development organizations to deliver high-quality technical assistance and supports to small businesses, particularly BIPOC-owned enterprises. The initiative leveraged funding from national and local foundations and incentivized changes in small business development policies and funding. Industry Cluster Analysis in Rural Areas Client: Regional Technology Strategies Conducted a study of industrial concentration in two regions to assess the nature and structure of industry clusters and the economic impact of agglomeration on regional economies. Examined the houseboat-building cluster in rural Kentucky to understand how clusters evolve and expand and the advantages inherent in small clusters. Examined the vehicle manufacturing industry in Tennessee to assess the extent of cluster spillover into less developed areas. Funded by Tennessee Valley Authority, Rural Studies Center.